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Nicholls to celebrate Veterans Day with celebration in the Quad

Nicholls to celebrate Veterans Day with celebration in the Quad

Nicholls State University invites the public to honor all veterans during a Veterans Day celebration in the Quad on Friday, Nov. 10.

Nicholls Veteran Services will hold a public ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Nicholls Quad and veterans will be served a free lunch in the cafeteria.

“Veterans Day might be one day of the year but for those who served, it is a year-round deal,” said Gilberto Burbante, veteran and coordinator of Veterans Services at Nicholls. “I say that because, for anyone who has laced up their boots, thrown on a rucksack and carried a rifle in a far-off land, we are constantly thinking about not only our own experiences and sacrifices but also about the young guy or girl who will now leave their own mark on our veteran legacy.”

This year’s guest speaker is Chris Castillo, who served with the Third Battalion Fourth Marines as part of the First Marine Division from 2002-2006. He served in Iraq during Operations Vigilant Resolve, Trojan Horse and Phantom Fury.

The New Orleans resident has been recognized for his successful transition to civilian life by GI Jobs Magazine. He now runs Chris Castillo Films, a video production company.

Nicholls president Dr. Bruce Murphy, who retired as a Lt. Col. from the U.S. Army, will also speak.

Thibodaux JROTC will present the colors and the Nicholls chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia will sing the national anthem.

Nicholls has earned the “Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly Campus” designation and has consistently been named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine.

“Our country’s veterans have given so much it’s important that those acts of valor, sacrifice and selflessness are acknowledged and Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to thank all generations of Veterans and hopefully encourages the younger generation to answer the call against tyranny, oppression and terror,” Burbante said.